System and Method for Dynamically Refreshing an Active Home Screen

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing time-sensitive information to a handset using a scrolling ticker. The method includes receiving the time-sensitive information at a server, determining the time period before the next update for a second set of information, and if less than a pre-determined value, then streaming the time sensitive information at the end of the time period to the handset. If the time period is greater that than the pre-determined value, then streaming the time-sensitive information immediately. In an alternative embodiment, a method is provided which includes determining a base schedule for periodically streaming the information to a handset via a scrolling ticker, receiving time-sensitive information relating to an event, determining a second schedule for periodically streaming time-sensitive information related to the event, and streaming the time-sensitive information in accordance with the second schedule during a time period associated with the event.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to the provision of data to a handset; andmore particularly, determining the most efficient timing for deliveringtime-sensitive data to a handset using a scrolling ticker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In wireless data applications, there are two types of technologyutilized to transfer data to a handset, categorized generally as eitherpush technology or pull technology. In push technology, a servertypically will periodically push available information to a handset, oralternatively, send a message to the handset indicating that additionalinformation is available for the handset to retrieve. Pull technology istypically defined as the client initiating communication with a serverin order to retrieve information.

Recently, carriers and vendors of wireless devices have developedsystems, methods and wireless devices that push content to subscribersin the form of a scrolling ticker which may contain headlines, sportsscores, stock information, or other data or alerts on a portion of thedisplay screen. For example, such systems are commercially available onMotorola wireless device model V557 and available to subscribers ofCingular Wireless, the assignee of the present invention, which CingularWireless markets as Active Home Screen™. The scrolling ticker mayreceive data from multiple channels, including news, sports, weather,and the like.

Such data that is pushed to devices typically have a useful life beforethe data is considered stale or out of date. Thus, time-to-live (“TTL”)schemes have been defined which is the measure of the time data is madeavailable until that data is out of date. TTL data has an expiration,after which it is preferable that he data be updated.

TTL will vary based on the type of data and the current activity level.By way of example only, news events may be updated every hour, weatherforecasts may be updated several times per day, and horoscopes updateddaily. Unfortunately, simply scheduling periodic updates based on thetypes of information does not provide flexibility in determining thedelivery times based on the information itself. Notwithstanding periodicupdates, additional information that becomes available that istime-sensitive may be received. It would be desirable to be able to pushthis time-sensitive information to the handset immediately.

Currently there is no system of method for intermediate delivery oftime-sensitive information that may be accomplished periodically ora-periodically. In addition to there being a need to provideintermediate delivery for time-critical information, there is also aneed for the delivery times of the data be subject to multiple andvariable cycles. For example, it would be desirable to have a system andmethod for providing sports information relating to baseball that beupdated once a day during the off-season, once every four or six hoursduring the season and just prior to a game, and perhaps every fifteenminutes during a game or alternatively, a-periodically whenever a run isscored during the game. Such a system and method does not exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome these and other deficiencies in the prior art, thepresent invention is directed to a method for providing time-sensitiveinformation to a handset using a scrolling ticker. The method includesreceiving the time-sensitive information at a server, determining thetime period before the next update for a second set of information, andthen, if the time period is less than a pre-determined value, thenstreaming the time sensitive information at the end of the time periodto the handset. If the time period is greater that than thepre-determined value, then the time-sensitive information is streamedimmediately. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, thesecond set of information may be updated periodically or a-periodically.The streaming step includes streaming the second set of information andthe time sensitive information as part of a communications event whereinthe streaming may be on one or a plurality of channels.

In addition to the method of the present invention, there is also asystem for providing time-sensitive information to a handset via ascrolling ticker including means for receiving time-sensitiveinformation and a second set of information wherein the second set ofinformation is updated periodically, means for determining a next updatetime for the second set of information, means for comparing a timeperiod before the next update time to a predetermined value, means forscheduling the streaming of time-sensitive information responsive to themeans for comparing, and means for streaming the time sensitiveinformation and the second set of information to a handset. The systemmay further include means for streaming the time-sensitive informationimmediately to a handset if the time period is greater than thepre-determined value, or alternatively, if the time period is less thanthe predetermined value, then means for streaming the time-sensitiveinformation and the second set of information to a handset as part of asingle communications event. The streaming may be performed on one or aplurality of channels.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method forscheduling delivery of information via a scrolling ticker is provided.The method includes the steps of determining a base schedule forperiodically streaming the information to a handset via a scrollingticker, receiving time-sensitive information relating to an event,determining a second schedule for periodically streaming time-sensitiveinformation related to the event, and streaming the time-sensitiveinformation in accordance with the second schedule. The streaming oftime-sensitive information may be performed in accordance with thesecond schedule during a time period associated with the event and thenoptionally reverting back to the base schedule after the time period haselapsed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a method forscheduling delivery of information via a scrolling ticker is provided,including determining a base schedule for periodically streaming theinformation to a handset via a scrolling ticker, suspending the baseschedule during a time period associated with an event, receivingtime-sensitive information relating to the event, and streaming thetime-sensitive information based on the receiving step. The streamingstep may be performed promptly after receipt of the time-sensitiveinformation or within a pre-defined window of time after receipt of thetime-sensitive information.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is a system forstreaming information to a handset via a scrolling ticker relating to anevent including means for streaming the information periodically inaccordance with a base schedule and means for streaming the informationin accordance with a second schedule based on an event, wherein theinformation is streamed in accordance with the second schedule during atime period associated with the event. The second schedule may beperiodic or based on a alerts relating to the event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a functional block diagram of an exemplary networkenvironment within which the present invention may operate;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the core componentsand a generic wireless network which may be utilized to implement thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the scheduling functionality of the applicationserver in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the methodof the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative embodiment of themethod of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative embodiment of themethod of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the scheduling functionality inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described with reference to theattached figures in the context of a preferred embodiment which has beenselected as exemplary for the purposes of illustration wherein likereference numerals signify like functionality. Such exemplaryembodiments are not intended to limit the invention beyond thelimitations set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 shows a GSM/GPRS/IP multimedia network architecture 100 thatincludes a GSM core network 101, a GPRS network 130 and an IP multimedianetwork 138. This network architecture 100 will serve as an exemplaryembodiment in which the present environment may operate. However, itshould be understood that the present invention may operate on othernetworks, including TDMA, CDMA, WCDMA, 2.5G, 3G and any other networkwhich supports data streaming from a server to a mobile station.

The GSM core network 101 includes a Mobile Station (MS) 102, at leastone Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 104 and a Base Station Controller(BSC) 106. The MS 102 is physical equipment or Mobile Equipment (ME),such as a mobile phone or a laptop computer that is used by mobilesubscribers, with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). The SIM includesan International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a uniqueidentifier of a subscriber. The BTS 104 is physical equipment, such as aradio tower, that enables a radio interface to communicate with the MS.Each BTS may serve more than one MS. The BSC 108 manages radioresources, including the BTS. The BSC may be connected to several BTSs.The BSC and BTS components, in combination, are generally referred to asa Base Station (BSS).

The GSM core network 101 also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)108, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 110, a Home LocationRegister (HLR) 112, Visitor Location Register (VLR) 114, anAuthentication Center (AuC) 118, and an Equipment Identity Register(EIR) 116. The MSC 108 performs a switching function for the network.The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration,authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC110 provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, suchas an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTNs) 120. In other words, the GMSC 110 providesinterworking functionality with external networks.

The HLR 112 is a database that contains administrative informationregarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSM network. TheHLR 112 also contains the current location of each MS. The VLR 114 is adatabase that contains selected administrative information from the HLR112. The VLR contains information necessary for call control andprovision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in ageographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR 112 and the VLR 114,together with the MSC 108, provide the call routing and roamingcapabilities of GSM. The AuC 116 provides the parameters needed forauthentication and encryption functions. Such parameters allowverification of a subscriber's identity. The EIR 118 storessecurity-sensitive information about the mobile equipment.

To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short messageservice (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate itscurrent location by performing a location update and IMSI attachprocedure. The MS 102 sends a location update including its currentlocation information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS 104 and the BSC 106.The location information is then sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR isupdated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. Thelocation update also is performed when the MS moves to a new locationarea. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to updatethe database as location updating events occur.

The GPRS network 130 is logically implemented on the GSM core networkarchitecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, aserving GPRS support node (SGSN) 132 and a Gateway GPRS support node(GGSN) 134. The SGSN 132 is at the same hierarchical level as the MSC108 in the GSM network. The SGSN controls the connection between theGPRS network and the MS 102. The SGSN also keeps track of individualMS's locations and security functions and access controls. The GGSN 134provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a public packet network(PDN) or other IP networks 136. That is, the GGSN provides interworkingfunctionality with external networks, and sets up a logical link to theMS through the SGSN. When packet-switched data leaves the GPRS network,it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network 136, such as an X.25network or the Internet. In order to access GPRS services, the MS firstattaches itself to the GPRS network by performing an attach procedure.The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP) context, thusactivating a packet communication session between the MS. the SGSN, arcthe GGSN.

In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used inparallel. The MS can operate in one three classes: class A, class B, andclass C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRS servicesand GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supports simultaneousoperation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example, class Amobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data calls at thesame time.

A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSMservices simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not supportsimultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, aclass B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time.

A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSMservices at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRSservices and GSM services is not possible with a class C MS.

A GPRS network 130 can be designed to operate in three network operationmodes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation mode of a GPRS networkis indicated by a parameter in system information messages transmittedwithin a cell. The system information messages dictates a MS where tolisten for paging messages and how signal towards the network. Thenetwork operation mode represents the capabilities of the GPRS network.In a NOM1 network, a MS can receive pages from a circuit switched domain(voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS can suspend the datacall or take both simultaneously, depending on the ability of the MS. Ina NOM2 network, a MS may not received pages from a circuit switcheddomain when engaged in a data call, since the MS is receiving data andis not listening to a paging channel In a NOM3 network, a MS can monitorpages for a circuit switched network while received data and vise versa.

The IP multimedia network 138 was introduced with 3GPP Release 5, andincludes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 140 to provide rich multimediaservices to end users. A representative set of the network entitieswithin the IMS 140 are a call/session control function (CSCF), a mediagateway control function (MGCF) 146, a media gateway (MGW) 148, and amaster subscriber database, called a home subscriber server (HSS) 150.The HSS 150 may be common to the GSM network 101, the GPRS network 130as well as the IP multimedia network 138.

The IP multimedia system 140 is built around the call/session controlfunction, of which there are three different types contemplated: aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) (not shown), a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 142, anda serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 144. The P-CSCF 142 is the MS's first point ofcontact with the IMS 140. The P-CSCF 142 forwards SIP messages receivedfrom the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of theMS. The P-CSCF 142 may also modify an outgoing request according to aset of rules defined by the network operator (for example, addressanalysis and potential modification).

The I-CSCF function, which forms the entrance to a home network, hidesthe inner topology of the home network from other networks and providesflexibility for selecting an S-CSCF.

The S-CSCF 144 performs the session control services for the MS 102.This includes routing originating sessions to external networks androuting terminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF 144 alsodecides whether one or more application servers (AS) 152 is required toreceive information on an incoming SIP session request to ensureappropriate service handling. This decision is based on informationreceived from the HSS 150 (or other sources, such as an applicationserver 154).

The HSS 150 contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which corenetwork node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supportssubscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networkswith more than one HSS 150, a subscriber location function providesinformation on the HSS 150 that contains the profile of a givensubscriber.

The MGCF 146 provides interworking functionality between SIP sessioncontrol signaling from the IMS 140 and ISUP/BICC call control signalingfrom the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the mediagateway (MGW) 148 that provides user-plane interworking functionality(e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW 148 alsocommunicates with other IP multimedia networks 154.

While FIG. 1 illustrates a GSM/GPRS/IP multimedia architecture whichsupports the present invention, implementation of the present inventionis not limited thereto. With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown asimplified block diagram for a system constructed in accordance with thepresent invention. A plurality of data feeds 156 are input to thescrolling ticker application server 154 which then transmits selectedfeeds across a wireless network 160 to MS 102. The wireless network maybe that as illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 1, or itcould be TDMA, CDMA, WCDMA, or any other wireless network, includingthose specific to 3G and beyond. For the convenience of the user, theterms mobile station, user equipment and wireless device may be usedinterchangeably throughout this specification.

The scrolling ticker application server 154 is one form of the one ormore application servers 152. The scrolling ticker server 154 ispreferably a content server configured to communicate with one or morewireless devices, such as MS 102. The scrolling ticker server 154streams content to wireless devices configured to receive such data. Thescrolling ticker server 154 may, for example, provide text streams basedon a set of user-defined alerts, such as stock information, sportsscores, news, weather, and any other information, or the text streamsmay be provided on a periodic basis. One communication protocol betweenthe scrolling ticker server 154 to MS 102 may, for example, be reallysimple syndication (RSS), more specifically, the RSS 2.0 standard.

Turning to FIG. 3, there is a block diagram which illustratesfunctionally the scheduling logic of the scrolling ticker applicationserver 154. Input to the server may come from a variety of sources invarious formats, each of which is known by those skilled in the art. Thescrolling ticker application server 154 parses the input through a TTLfilter 202 to determine whether the input data is time sensitive. If theinput data is time sensitive and has an associated TTL, the data ispassed through to the TTL content function 204 for input into the TTLscheduler 154. This data will be referred to as TTL data. If the inputdata is not time sensitive, the input data is passed through the contentfunction 206 for input into the content scheduler 210. This data will bereferred to as normal content data.

The TTL scheduler 208 will analyze the TTL data and determine a time fordelivery of that TTL data. The TTL scheduler 208 may also determineminimum and maximum ranges of time for delivery of the TTL data. Thecontent scheduler 210 will schedule delivery of the normal content datain accordance with a predetermined schedule. It should be noted that thepredetermined schedule may be modified either by a user oradministrator, it may be periodic or a-periodic, or it may even be basedon “pull” requests by the user. It should also be noted that there maybe various predetermined schedules based on the type of normal contentdata and the particular channel on which that normal content data is tobe delivered. The output of the content scheduler 210 and the TTLscheduler 208 are fed into scheduling logic 212. Scheduling logic 212performs a comparison function in which the time for delivery of the TTLdata as determined by the TTL scheduler 208 is compared to the nextscheduled delivery of the normal content data as processed by thecontent scheduler 210. If the comparison function determines that thenext scheduled delivery from the content scheduler 210 is within anacceptable time frame for delivery of the TTL data as determined by theTTL scheduler 208, then the scheduling logic will schedule the deliveryof the TTL data to coincide with the delivery of the normal contentdata. In this context, coincide may mean that the delivery of the twodata types will be serial or alternatively, the delivery may be parallelon different RSS channels, or some combination of the two. Thescheduling logic 212 will then initiate delivery of the content inaccordance with the scheduling comparison functionality.

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. An alternative block diagram which illustratesfunctionally the scheduling logic of the scrolling ticker applicationserver 254. Input to the server may come from a variety of sources invarious formats, each of which is known by those skilled in the art. Thescrolling ticker application server 254 parses the input through anevent filter 302 to determine whether the input data is related to anevent and therefore is time sensitive. If the input data is timesensitive and has an associated TTL, the data is passed through to theevent content function 304 for input into the event scheduler 308. Thisdata will be referred to as event data. If the input data is not timesensitive, the input data is passed through the content function 306 forinput into the content scheduler 310. This data will be referred to asnon-event content data.

The event scheduler 308 will analyze the event data and determine a timefor delivery of that event data. The event scheduler 308 may alsodetermine minimum and maximum ranges of time for delivery of the eventdata. The event scheduler 308 may determine that event data be deliveredperiodically during a time period associated with an event, oralternatively, the event scheduler 308 may determine that the event databe delivered a-periodically during the event based on some action thatoccurs during the event, or some combination of the two. For example, ifthe event is a football game, the event scheduler 308 may determine todeliver updated event data every fifteen minutes, or alternatively, theevent scheduler 308 may determine to deliver updated event data everytime the score changes, or some combination of the two.

The content scheduler 310 will schedule delivery of the non-eventcontent data in accordance with a predetermined schedule. It should benoted that the predetermined schedule may be modified either by a useror administrator. It should also be noted that there may be variouspredetermined schedules based on the type of normal content data and theparticular channel on which that normal content data is to be delivered.The output of the content scheduler 310 and the TTL scheduler 308 arefed into scheduling logic 312.

Scheduling logic 312 will exercise a series of scheduling rules asdetermined by a user or an administrator. For example, scheduling logic312 may suspend delivery of all non-event content data during the timeperiod associated with the event and deliver only event data during thattime period. Alternatively, scheduling logic may perform a comparisonfunction similar to the comparison function set forth above in which thetime for delivery of the event data as determined by the event scheduler308 is compared to the next scheduled delivery of the non-event contentdata as processed by the content scheduler 310. If the comparisonfunction determines that the next scheduled delivery from the contentscheduler 310 is within an acceptable time frame for delivery of theevent data as determined by the event scheduler 308, then the schedulinglogic will schedule the delivery of the TTL data to coincide with thedelivery of the normal content data. In this context, coincide may meanthat the delivery of the two data types will be serial or alternatively,the delivery may be parallel on different RSS channels, or somecombination of the two. Alternatively, the scheduling logic 312 maysimply deliver the non-event content data in accordance with its normalschedule and deliver the event data when received. In any case, thescheduling logic 312 will then initiate delivery of the content inaccordance with the scheduling comparison functionality.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are flow charts illustrating various embodiments ofthe method of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 4, data isreceived at the scrolling ticker application server 154 at action block400. At decision block 402, a determination is made as to whether thedata received is time sensitive (TTL data). If the data is TTL data, theTTL data is passed to action block 403 where the preferred delivery timeof the TTL data is compared to the next scheduled delivery of thecontent data. At decision block 404, if the preferred delivery time ofthe TTL data falls within an acceptable window around the next scheduleddelivery of the content data, the TTL data is passed to action block 408for delivery with the content data. At decision block 404, if thepreferred delivery time of the TTL data does not fall within anacceptable window around the next scheduled delivery of the contentdata, then the TTL data is passed to action block 406 wherein it isindependently scheduled for delivery to the MS 102.

Going back to decision block 402, if the data is not TTL data andtherefore content data, it is passed to action block 408 for schedulingof delivery. Recall that an affirmative output of decision block 404 mayalso be input into action block 408. From action block 408, any TTL datapresent and the content data are then delivered to the MS 102 inaccordance with the next delivery time at action block 410.

Turning now to an alternative embodiment of the method of the presentinvention in FIG. 5, a base schedule is determined at action block 416and a second event schedule is determined at block 418. Information isreceived at action block 420. At action block 422, the time period ofreceipt is compared to the base schedule and the second event schedule.If at decision block 424 it is determined that the data is receivedwithin a time window defined by the event schedule, then the event datais delivered in accordance with the second event schedule at actionblock 426. If at decision block 424 it is determined that the data wasnot received within a time window defined by the event schedule andtherefore is considered non-event content data, the data is delivered inaccordance with the base schedule.

Turning now to yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention in FIG. 6, a base schedule is determined at action block 450and a second event schedule is determined at action block 452.Information is received at action block 454 and passed to action block456 where the time of receipt is compared to the base schedule and thesecond event schedule. At decision block 458, if the time of receiptfalls within the second event schedule, then the base schedule issuspended at action block 460 and the event data is delivered at actionblock 462. If at decision block 458 it is determined that the time ofreceipt falls does not fall within the second event schedule, then thenon-event content data is delivered in accordance with the base scheduleat action block 464.

While the present invention has been described in connection with thepreferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understoodthat other similar embodiments may be used or modifications andadditions may be made to the described embodiment for performing thesame function of the present invention without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any singleembodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope inaccordance with the appended claims.

1. A method for providing time-sensitive information to a handset usinga scrolling ticker, comprising: receiving the time-sensitive informationat a server; determining the time period before the next update for asecond set of information; and if the time period is less than apre-determined value, then streaming the time sensitive information atthe end of the time period to the handset.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein if the time period is greater that than the pre-determinedvalue, then streaming the time-sensitive information immediately.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the second set of information is updatedperiodically.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the streaming stepincludes streaming the second set of information and the time sensitiveinformation as part of a communication event.
 5. The method of claim 4wherein the communication event includes streaming on a plurality ofchannels.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein the communication eventcomprises streaming on a single channel.
 7. A system for providingtime-sensitive information to a handset via a scrolling tickercomprising: means for receiving time-sensitive information and a secondset of information wherein the second set of information is updatedperiodically; means for determining a next update time for the secondset of information; means for comparing a time period before the nextupdate time to a predetermined value; and means for scheduling thestreaming of time-sensitive information responsive to the means forcomparing.
 8. The system of claim 7 further comprising means forstreaming the time sensitive information and the second set ofinformation to a handset.
 9. The system of claim 7 further comprisingmeans for streaming the time-sensitive information immediately to ahandset if the time period is greater than the pre-determined value. 10.The system of claim 7 further comprising means for streaming thetime-sensitive information and the second set of information to ahandset as part of a single communications event if the time period isless that the pre-determined value.
 11. The system of claim 10 whereinthe single communications event includes streaming on a plurality ofchannels.
 12. The system of claim 10 wherein the single communicationsevent includes sequential streaming on a single channel.
 13. A methodfor scheduling delivery of information via a scrolling tickercomprising: determining a base schedule for periodically streaming theinformation to a handset via a scrolling ticker; receivingtime-sensitive information relating to an event; determining a secondschedule for periodically streaming time-sensitive information relatedto the event; and streaming the time-sensitive information in accordancewith the second schedule.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein thetime-sensitive information is streamed in accordance with the secondschedule during a time period associated with the event.
 15. The methodof claim 14 further comprising reverting back to the base schedule afterthe time period has elapsed.
 16. A method for scheduling delivery ofinformation via a scrolling ticker comprising: determining a baseschedule for periodically streaming the information to a handset via ascrolling ticker; suspending the base schedule during a time periodassociated with an event; receiving time-sensitive information relatingto the event; and streaming the time-sensitive information based on thereceiving step.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the streaming step isperformed promptly after receipt of the time-sensitive information. 18.The method of claim 16 wherein the streaming step is performed within apre-defined window of time after receipt of the time-sensitiveinformation.
 19. A system for streaming information to a handset via ascrolling ticker relating to an event comprising: means for streamingthe information periodically in accordance with a base schedule; andmeans for streaming the information in accordance with a second schedulebased on an event.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the information isstreamed in accordance with the second schedule during a time periodassociated with the event.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein the secondschedule is periodic.
 22. The system of claim 20 wherein the secondschedule is based on alerts relating to the event.